Trump praises Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for “sweeping Europe” during surprise visit to Mar-a-Lago

Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni He held a surprise meeting with President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday at Mar-a-Lago, becoming the latest world leader to meet the next president as he is scheduled to take office later this month.

Meloni stayed for the entire evening, including a screening of a documentary about Trump John EastmanHe is one of his closest allies who tried to help him in his quest to overturn the results of the 2020 elections.

Meloni, who became prime minister in October 2022, helped found the Brothers of Italy party, which is now the ruling party. Most right-wing governments In Italy since World War II. Trump praised her on Saturday evening, saying that she “really took Europe by storm.”

Trump and Meloni were joined by Sen. Marco Rubio, who was joined by Trump He was tapped to be Secretary of Staterepresentative. Mike Waltz, His selection for the position of National Security Advisor and Scott Besant, His choice for Secretary of the Treasury. Tilman Fertitta, whom Trump chose as ambassador to Italy, was also present.

No details were revealed about what they discussed. “We’re just going to have dinner tonight,” Trump said.

Meloni met with Trump and one of his closest allies, Elon Musk, last month when they were in Paris to attend the conference. Reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral. Meloni and Musk have deep relationships with Musk after that title A conservative political festival sponsored by the brothers of Italy.

Meloni is also scheduled to meet with President Biden when he visits Rome next week.